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It's easy to complain, but if you don't have a solution or ideas to help fix the situation - you are wasting the time of everyone.
So we all know the south suburbs are struggling - enough said. With that said, I think high school soccer as a whole is down this year, but the south suburbs are just farther down than the rest.
It's ironic I received Soccer America's Top Club list this morning after writing Tuesday's blog. There was the Chicago Magic free falling from No. 1 to No. 11. On the girls side, Eclipse Select remained at No. 2 in the country. Eclipse is slowly, but surely making its presence felt in the south suburbs, so that should help the area.
But what else can be done to help south suburban soccer?
For years, the south suburbs have been behind in soccer facilities. From indoor to outdoor - way behind. And guess what? They still are.
Look at the basic, basic soccer programs at the youth level. The basic park district programs - where are they? One reason why the football programs at Lincoln-Way haven't suffered since the split is because the district has built solid feeder programs.
When it comes to soccer, you don't have that. You don't have kids sticking together and playing together like they used to. Whether it was with the Chicago Magic or with the Orland Park Soccer Club and a local coach like Hugo Perez, it's not the same.
These days, the makeup of the high school student is just different, too. The drive and motivation isn't the same, and most high school kids don't look at the high school game with respect like they used to.
Brian Hertz, the brother of former Sandburg star Katie Hertz, played for Sandburg's 1993 state championship team. Now a doctor, I still hear from him or see him at a Sandburg game.
The passion in his voice, the passion in his emails shows how much pride he has still to this day. The south suburbs - somehow, someway - needs to regain that. The area needs to put the chip back on the shoulder and realize it is not as respected as it once was.
If it doesn't, well then, thanks for the memories and RIP.
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I wish I knew why soccer was not as popular on the Southside. We are a dedicated soccer family. So many of the families we encounter think that soccer is a minor sport while baseball or football are the sports to play. KUDOS to Chris Kolophon and Inter FC, if you look at Most of the top players on a number of Southside High School teams (Stagg, Rice, Reavis, Marist and a number of other scattered teams) you will see that they all play for Inter, a program growing larger each year. We will continue to look forward to our High School seasons win or lose. It is just a different game then travel/club ball. Demographics play a large roll as well.
You should take a look at South Suburban Soccer Academy in the south. They are doing some great things with their kids. In about a year or two, you should see the group of kids coming out of their first program. Not all is bad with the south Joe.
A friend recommended that I read the 'Star' papers to get some leads on traveling leagues and youth sports. After reading the article above, I too feel the pain for youth sports of the south suburbs. While I don't have a solution to the problem I do have a facility available for those that want to train this winter. I have a PRIVATE training facility (full size gymnasium) available in the Momence area for trainers, athletes, teams and traveling leagues to rent. The gym can be used for basketball, volleyball, soccer, football, golf, wrestling and clinics to name a few. This is a full-service facility on 6 acres which includes a full-size basketball court with automatic scoreboards, kitchen and weight room. Included is a coaches viewing area (upper deck), changing rooms, lockers and bathrooms. Anyone interested in learning more about the facility can contact me at 815.953.7802 or write me at kdennison@sbcglobal.net. Pictures are available upon request.
So Joe, I think your going to do the same thing in the boys seasons that you did in the last girls season with your soccer rankings; leave the eventual state champion out of your top ten until you have to rank them first at the end of the playoffs. Wonder if you know which team I'm talking about?
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PARK FOREST WINGS PROGRAM?
THAT PROGRAM WAS ALWAYS A TOPNOTCH PROGRAM, IS IT STILL AROUND?
Joe
Where is the the props. for the kids in the north and northwests suburbs???? I"m sorry about the south .maybe it' about commintment from the north and northwest clubs. the kids and parents have made a decision to keep playing tough.
thanks matt
didn'nt fremd and hinsdale central play for the cup?
thanks big red...
Surprised you did not mention the Midwest Wings program which continues to thrive and do very well. (Formally the Park Forest Wings) Our U14 Boys reached the Illinois State Cup Final and we have teams doing well from U8-U16 both on the boys and girls side. The program has existed for 35 years. We just hosted our 18th Annual Fall Classic Tournament in both Oak Forest (Gaelic Park) and in Park Forest as well. Not sure why we would not be acknowledged by your article about the South but the Midwest Wings are alive and kicking very well thank you. Bill Dekker - Director Midwest Wings SC